Welcome to what I hope will be a long-standing feature here, where we’ll explore the wonders of specific wilderness areas throughout the Adirondack region, starting with one of its most beloved and pristine landscapes: the William C. Whitney Wilderness Area. This area, located in the west-central Adirondacks, offers a unique and varied outdoor experience, perfect for anyone seeking an immersive natural adventure.
In previous discussions, we’ve touched upon the various classifications that make up the public lands of the Adirondack Forest Preserve. Two of the most prominent classifications—Wild Forests and Wilderness Areas—are the focal points of outdoor exploration in the park. Both have much to offer all types of outdoor enthusiasts, but they hold particular appeal for sportsmen and sportswomen due to their abundance of opportunities for recreation, solitude, and conservation.
The William C. Whitney Wilderness
To begin, let’s focus on the William C. Whitney Wilderness, a vast expanse of protected land in the heart of the Adirondacks, surrounded by mountains, lakes, and dense forests. This area is located just southwest of Tupper Lake and is bordered by the Round Lake Wilderness to the north. The centerpiece of the Whitney Wilderness is water, with its pristine lakes and tranquil rivers serving as the lifeblood of the region. The famous Little Tupper Lake, Round Lake, and Lake Lila are some of the standout bodies of water in this wilderness, drawing visitors from near and far for paddling, fishing, and quiet reflection.
These lakes are more than just scenic; they provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities like canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching, making the Whitney Wilderness a haven for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Adirondacks. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, fishing on these tranquil lakes provides access to some of the most pristine and unspoiled waters in the state.
The Whitney Wilderness Area Acquisition
The William C. Whitney Wilderness wasn’t always a state-owned treasure. In the late 1990s, the state of New York acquired a significant portion of the Whitney Estate, which had been a private holding for many years. The acquisition was a monumental step in preserving this land for future generations, with the crowning jewel being Little Tupper Lake. Since its acquisition, Little Tupper Lake has become a haven for campers and paddlers, offering an ideal environment for both peaceful solitude and outdoor adventure.
The Whitney Estate acquisition brought new life to the surrounding wilderness, as it connected previously fragmented areas, opening up opportunities for further exploration. Within a few years of this purchase, Round Lake, which is situated just to the north of Little Tupper Lake, was also added to the area under protection. The lakes are now seamlessly connected, allowing paddlers and adventurers to travel between them, taking in the diverse landscapes of the surrounding forests, wetlands, and mountains.
The William C. Whitney Wilderness Area
The William C. Whitney Wilderness is comprised of 14,700 acres that include Little Tupper Lake and a series of rock pond trail connected by miles of trails or portages that eventually lead west to Lake Lila. This is precisely the area that has been under controversy regarding navigational rights on water. On the last leg of the trail system to Lake Lila, there is a water route that leaves and then returns to state-owned lands. It has been used by paddlers against the wishes of the private landowner. So far, the legal ruling has favored the paddlers.
Unit Management Plans and Future Preservation
To ensure the best management and protection of these newly acquired lands, the Adirondack Park Agency (APA) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) decided to create separate Unit Management Plans (UMPs) for the Whitney Wilderness and Round Lake Wilderness areas. These plans are vital for maintaining the ecological health of the area, as well as ensuring that the lands and waters remain accessible to the public while minimizing the environmental impact of outdoor recreation.
By maintaining separate management plans, the DEC and APA can preserve the unique character of each wilderness area, carefully balancing human activity with the need for conservation. This thoughtful approach ensures that the Whitney Wilderness will remain a pristine and protected resource for generations to come. The focus on low-impact recreation, sustainable camping practices, and wildlife protection continues to make these lands a model of responsible wilderness stewardship.
Recreation and Access to the 3 major lakes
The Whitney Wilderness Area is home to some of the most pristine and peaceful waters in the Adirondacks, including the renowned Little Tupper Lake, Round Lake, and Lake Lila. These lakes offer incredible opportunities for fishing, paddling, and camping, though accessing them requires some effort, especially for Lake Lila.
Little Tupper Lake Access
For those seeking to explore Little Tupper Lake, access is straightforward and well-developed. From Route 30, which runs between Long Lake and Tupper Lake, you can follow Circle Road (County Route 10 and 10A). This scenic loop will guide you directly to the Sabattis Road turnoff, roughly a mile from the DEC headquarters.
At the DEC headquarters, you’ll find a large parking area, historic information displays, restrooms, and a launch point for Little Tupper Lake. There’s also accessible access for those with disabilities. Once on the lake, you’ll find numerous primitive beach campsites, many of which are on the waterfront. These sites provide a perfect base for fishing, paddling, and enjoying the serene beauty of Little Tupper Lake. Several hiking trails also lead to campsites, making it easy to combine hiking and camping in this pristine wilderness.
Round Lake Access
Accessing Round Lake is similarly convenient, as it’s located directly north of Little Tupper Lake, within the same wilderness area. The lake offers fishing and camping opportunities similar to those found at Little Tupper Lake. Given its proximity, it shares many of the same features and access points, making it a great alternative for those looking to explore a quieter corner of the Whitney Wilderness Area.
Lake Lila Access and Wilderness Experience
Getting to Lake Lila requires more effort but rewards visitors with a true wilderness experience. To reach Lake Lila, you’ll need to follow Sabattis Road through private land. After about five miles, you’ll reach a parking lot, and from there, it’s a quarter-mile carry downhill to a beach launch on the lake. This slightly more challenging access ensures that Lake Lila remains a serene and less trafficked spot, perfect for those seeking a more remote adventure.
Once at the lake, you’ll find numerous camping opportunities along the shore and on the lake’s islands, making it an ideal spot for anglers and nature lovers alike. For history buffs and those looking for a bit of extra adventure, a visit to the site of the former Camp Nehasane on the western shore is a must. Additionally, the 1.5-mile hike up Mt. Frederica offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding wilderness, making it a perfect destination for both outdoor recreation and scenic relaxation.
Fishing and Motorless Lakes
All three lakes—Little Tupper, Round, and Lake Lila—are motorless, making them particularly appealing to paddlers, kayakers, and small boat anglers. The absence of motorized boats creates a quieter, more tranquil environment, allowing anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the peace and solitude that the Adirondacks are known for. Fishing on these lakes is a rewarding experience, offering a mix of species, including smallmouth bass, lake trout, and brook trout, depending on the lake.
The Round Lake Fishing
The Round Lake Wilderness is an easy-to-access 11,000-acre area offering a tranquil fishing experience. The lake itself, despite its name, is actually triangular in shape, and fishing here is a peaceful and scenic experience. There are two primary access points to the lake: you can either launch from the Little Tupper Lake headquarters or from a pull-off near the inlet.
Once on the water, you can explore the fen leading into the lake. On a memorable Labor Day weekend trip, my wife Adrienne and I encountered a small bear swimming across the fen, adding a bit of wilderness magic to the journey. We also enjoyed exploring around the dam at the north end of the lake, where we found some beautiful campsites, perfect for a relaxed fishing getaway.
The lake provides excellent opportunities for catch-and-release fishing, with species like smallmouth bass, lake trout, and brook trout. The serene setting, with limited motorized boat access, ensures a peaceful and immersive outdoor experience.
Hunting Opportunities in Whitney Wilderness Area
The Whitney Wilderness Area, with its combination of wetlands and rolling hills, offers fantastic hunting opportunities for those looking to immerse themselves in the Adirondack backwoods. The terrain is a mix of dense forest, wetlands, and old logging roads, making it ideal for hunters seeking a more remote experience.
Before state ownership, the land was managed for timber, so well-worn logging roads now serve as ideal foot trails for hunters. While the July 1995 microburst windstorm leveled much of the region’s forest, opening up new opportunities for deer hunting by providing food sources, the storm also made some areas harder to navigate. Despite this, the younger forest that has grown since offers great hunting, and the old logging roads remain accessible for those willing to explore.
The region’s relatively young forest, coupled with its remote wilderness, creates an ideal setting for deer and other game hunting. The mix of wetlands and forest also offers the chance to spot a variety of other wildlife species while hunting.
Forms of Recreation in Whitney Wilderness Area
The William C. Whitney Wilderness Area and the adjacent Round Lake Wilderness are not only beautiful but are also connected to vast tracts of state land, making them a hub for outdoor recreation. Aside from fishing and hunting, there is much to explore in this area.
- Five Ponds Wilderness, located to the west, offers additional wilderness experiences, including Lows Lake, which is connected to Lake Lila via a private portage system. This region is perfect for those seeking a more remote paddling or camping adventure.
- To the north of Round Lake is the Horseshoe Lake Wild Forest, which provides access to the Bog River and eventually to Lows Lake. This area is ideal for those looking to connect multiple lakes and wilderness regions via canoe or kayak.
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s plenty to do around the Whitney and Round Lake Wilderness areas. Every trip I’ve taken there has resulted in an adventure all its own. I’m sure you’ll find the same regardless of your pursuit.
Original Article By Dan Ladd
About The Author
Dan Ladd is an outdoor writer and member of the New York State Outdoor Writers’ Association who has contributed columns to the “Plattsburgh Press Republican” and the “Glen Falls Chronicle.” He is the author and owner of the website ADKHunter.com and the author of the books Deer Hunting in the Adirondacks and Well Seasoned In the Adirondacks.
